21 Day Best Of South America Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Lima Cusco Machu Picchu Rio de Janeiro Peru Amazon Jungle Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley Time to get excited FROM $7,999 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Discover the heart and spirit of South America on this epic, far-reaching adventure through Argentina, Brazil and Peru. This trip will surely tick off some bucket list items – spectacular Iguazu Falls, the Incan treasure Machu Picchu and a three-night Amazon rainforest adventure. Book Now TOUR ITINERARY The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 1 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Destination Home Buenos Aires Meals included Hotel 4 Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar Welcome to Argentina! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and give you some tips for your stay in Buenos Aires. This beautiful city, on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a city of contrasts. You’ll find grand avenues with fine European architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Latin American flair – it is the birthplace of tango, after all. There’s an array of things to do and see, whether it’s cultural, artistic or sporting. Please note: Some flights may depart the day before. Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. DAY 2 Destination Buenos Aires Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4 Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar You’ll enjoy a day’s touring in this dynamic city today to see the sights and explore the varied, interesting barrios (neighbourhoods), each with their own charm and flair. We’ll start by visiting trendy Palermo, a fashionable area known for its beautiful green spaces, gastronomy, a plethora of shopping options and happening nightlife. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 2 TOUR ITINERARY We’ll continue to the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, with its elegant buildings and the most exclusive pocket of the city, Alvear Avenue. Enjoy the Obelisco de Buenos Aires, an iconic monument located in the Plaza de la República that serves up the classic postcard picture of Buenos Aires. It’s the centre of daily life for Porteños (Buenos Aires locals). We’ll head to Plaza de Mayo (Main Square) and see the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Government Palace) – this is, of course, where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from the balconies. See Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall before we head to San Telmo, known as the tango neighbourhood. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in the city and its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial character, tango parlours and a lively street market make for a charming visit. Learn more about Argentina’s passion – fútbol (football) – by visiting vibrant La Boca. We’ll pass by La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of the Boca Juniors. Finally, we’ll visit the colourful street Caminito, known as the artist’s area, and Puerto Madero on the waterfront, the most modern neighbourhood of the city. DAY 3 Destination Buenos Aires Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4 Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar It’s a free day for you to relax and explore at your own pace. Feel free to take a walk through the Costanera Sur ecological reserve, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Depending on the time of year there might be butterflies, and there’ll certainly be interesting flora to admire. You might head back to the Recoleta neighbourhood, home to some of the most popular attractions like the Recoleta Cemetery – resting place of notable Argentines, with ornate mausoleums like first lady Eva Perón’s tomb. You can also visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses an outstanding collection of European and Argentine artists – it’s free. The food scene in Buenos Aires is happening. If you’re a fan of steak, a visit to a parrilla (steakhouse) is in order – Argentines are known for their love of beef and asado (barbeque). Make like a Porteño and grab a choripán, a classic Argentinian hot dog made with chorizo. There are plenty of food stands dotted around the city where you can buy an empanada, the classic Argentine snack. You’ll also find great ice cream, especially the Argentine favourite dulche de leche flavour. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 3 TOUR ITINERARY People eat dinner late around here – and head out to nightclubs even later! Argentina’s oldest and arguably most famous café, Café Tortoni, is a great place for coffee and people watching – and to see the tango performed onstage. Café con leche, anyone? OPTIONAL TOUR - TANGO SHOW WITH DINNER Experience the sensual dance of tango in a romantic and intimate atmosphere. International cuisine, regional dishes, desserts and a wide selection of Argentine wines will be offered to accompany the La Ventana Tango Show as you experience the tango, a dance which reveals the spirit of Buenos Aires’ beginnings. This starts at 07.30pm and last approximately three hours. OPTIONAL TOUR - MALBEC WINE TRAIL Vino, anyone? In a country famed for its red wine, enjoy a customised lesson and tasting session. You’ll be whisked away to a hidden wine cellar and enjoy a tapas plate as you discover Argentine wine.This tour starts at 6pm from a central location (transfers are not included) and it lasts approximately three hours. DAY 4 Destination Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4 Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort, or similar Enjoy a relaxed morning to savour the last of this elegant city. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to the wondrous Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular series of waterfalls. At the airport, you’ll meet your local guide and drive to Foz do Iguaçu, on the Brazilian side. The Iguazu Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau, created by an enormous volcanic eruption more than 130 million years ago. Straddling the Argentine-Brazil border, the falls are made up of up to 275 individual waterfalls, lining a 2.7km-wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. It’s a truly breathtaking sight to see the unyielding force of nature in such a magnificent setting. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 5 Destination Iguazu Falls Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4 Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort, or similar These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close. Today you’ll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor’s centre, you’ll take a ride on the Rainforest Ecological Train before exploring the upper and lower circuit footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above and below the falls. A visit to monumental, roaring Devil’s Throat – arguably the most spectacular of the falls – is one of the day’s highlights. It’s the heart of the falls and the highest, at about 80 metres. The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. You’ll have the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional ride on the Gran Aventura. OPTIONAL TOUR - THE GRAN AVENTURA - 20 DAY ANTARCTICA WITH RIO & IGUAZU FALLS The best way to experience the falls is to get right in the action. You’ll travel through lush landscape by specially designed tracks. This five-kilometre long ride ends at Puerto Macuco. Board a small boat and explore Lower Iguazu River for as long as six kilometres, heading towards the waterfalls area to enjoy the sight of plenty of small cascades. From the Tres Mosqueteros Falls, see the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, it’s surely a highlight when you face the incomparable San Martín waterfall.